Ravens rejoice, From Software has returned to its roots, with the long-awaited addition to the fast-paced mech shooter series, Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon.
A Raven has Returned to its Roost
Fans of From Software’s giant robot action shooter have had a long wait since they last had chance to step into the cockpit of an AC. The series originally debuted back in 1997 on the PlayStation 1 and went on to have multiple entries up until 2013’s Armored Core: Verdict Day, after which the series went on hiatus.
In this time, From Software has not been idle, as they set their attention on developing games such as the highly popular Dark Souls series, Bloodborne, Sekiro, and Elden Ring. These games have obviously become smash successes, drawing in huge numbers of fans who scramble for the latest soulslike game, but us fans of mecha have had our wishes granted at last.
Wake Up 621
In Armored Core VI, you take the role of a non-affiliated AC pilot, going by the handle C4-621. You have been tasked by Handler Walter to head to the frontier planet Rubicon 3, where Coral has been rediscovered. As an independent mercenary, you’ll need to acquire a valid licence to gain access to services such as the training, the parts shop, and arena. Luckily, the perfect one is waiting for you to seize in your first mission, Raven! Once all official, you’ll have to carefully walk the tightrope of working for the megacorporations Balam Industries and Arquebus Corp.
You’ll learn more about Rubicon 3 and the mysterious Coral on your travels. This element was the key to a golden age for galactic civilisation, and its downfall. When originally discovered, it was found to be both an exceptional source of energy and a phenomenal data conduit. But then the Fires of Ibis destroyed all known Coral, engulfing the galaxy in flames and leaving behind contamination in its wake. But now, fifty years later, Coral has resurfaced on Rubicon. The corporations want it and are willing to pay to get it.
Deals to Pay the Bills
Both Balam and Arquebus will have jobs for you, these can include disrupting the other corporation’s schemes, as well as having you take on the rogue elements of the Rubicon Liberation Front (RLF) and Planetary Closure Administration. This leads to a mixed bag of missions, from collecting logs off downed mechs, to bringing down giant walking weapons platforms that dwarf your lone AC.
How you choose to do this is up to you, as your AC can be customised to your unique playstyle thanks to a huge range of parts being available. But what will you build? A lightweight mech, centred around speed and quick attacks, or a super heavy tank, capable of absorbing huge damage while dishing it back.
Speaking of firepower, there are endless combinations of weapons to choose from and four mounting points to customise. Each hand of your AC can hold a weapon, from standard assault and sniper rifles to the more exotic laser blades and plasma launchers. To accompany these, you can attach further weapons to the shoulders, compatible with a wide variety of upgrades including rocket launchers, energy shields, laser canons, or a replacement weapon for your hand.
Pulse Pounding Action
So, how did I find Armored Core VI? I, of course loved it. Giant robots have always been a favourite of mine, from my childhood passion for Transformers (still have a couple on my shelves), to anime films such as Patlabor, Orguss 02, and Macross Plus. Then there were the games, I played the hell out of Front Mission 3 on the PS1, Armored Core 2 on the PS2, and Hideo Kojima’s best work the Zone of the Ender universe.
So, the style of game ticks my boxes, but how about the gameplay?
It’s fantastic. I love lining up the perfect shot with a shoulder mounted canon, then boosting up to top speeds in a matter of seconds, to close the distance and finish off my opponents with a slash from my laser blade. With the excellent HUD that puts all your vital information front and centre, I have full knowledge of the whole battlefield. What’s more, I found that thanks to the fantastic graphics and excellent soundscape, I was able to tell when a high damage attack was incoming. It’s details such as these that set From Software games apart, they’re difficult but fair, which is what makes them fun.
AC6 is fast paced, but like From Software’s other titles, will punish you hard for not gitting gud. Each mission has you taking on multiple enemies, such as stationary artillery pieces, which can devastate you with a single shot, and multiple MTs which can whittle you down with sheer numbers. You may also encounter enemy ACs who have similar capabilities to you, making them a real challenge for an aspiring pilot.
Lastly are the real roadblocks of Armored Core VI, the bosses which don’t hold their punches. In fact, much like the Asylum Demon in Dark Souls, you’ll have a true test of your skills. At the end of the first mission, just after you’ve found your Raven ID, you’ll be attacked by the AH12. HC Helicopter. This flying battery of guns, rockets, and missiles will soon take the unprepared apart. But take it down and you’ll feel amazing and prepared to take on all the challenges to come on Rubicon 3.
Official Specs Needed for Armored Core VI
Armored Core VI: Fire of Rubicon is available now on PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and on PC via Steam. If you want to experience the thrilling action of this outstanding shooter, these are the official requirements you’ll need for your gaming PC.
| Component | Minimum Specs | Recommended Specs |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 | Windows 10 / 11 |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-4790K / Intel Core i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 5 2600 | Intel Core i7-7700 / Intel Core i5-10400 / AMD Ryzen 7 2700X / AMD Ryzen 5 3600 |
| Memory | 12GB | 12GB |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 4GB / AMD Radeon RX 480 4GB | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB / AMD Radeon RX 590 8GB / Intel Arc A750 8GB |
| Storage | 60GB | 60GB |
The Best Gaming PCs to Play Armored Core VI
Ready to take on a world of dangers and discover the secrets behind Coral? Then you’ll need a gaming PC powerful enough to act as the heart of your AC. Luckily, we here at Overclockers UK have just what you’ll need.
Refract Gaming Jade
The Refract Gaming Jade will serve you well, whether you prefer to rain fire from the skies, or get up close and personal with a laser blade. Carefully crafted by our team of expert engineers, this pre-built gaming PC is ideal for gaming at 1080p and 1440p. Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 7700 CPU and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti GPU, the Refract Jade is a gaming PC worthy of a powering your mech dreams. What’s more, with a three-year parts and labour warranty, you’ll only have to worry about your AC taking damage, and not your PC.
Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop
If you want to make your gaming setup as mobile as your AC, then the Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop is what you’ll need. Enjoy flawless gameplay thanks to the combination of a powerful Intel Core i7-12650H CPU with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU. You will have a perfect view of the battlefield, as the Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop is equipped with a stunning FHD screen, which boasts a 144Hz refresh rate and a 3ms response time.
OcUK Gaming Radiance Blazer
If you want beautiful graphics with super smooth gameplay, then the OcUK Gaming Radiance Blazer is the perfect choice. This gaming PC features an AMD Ryzen 7600X CPU which boasts six cores and twelve threads, that can boost up to 5.3GHz. This is paired with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 8GB GPU. You can enjoy a wide range of the latest games in addition to Armored Core VI with this gaming PC, such as Baldur’s Gate 3, Starfield, and Mortal Kombat 1.
How it’s Meant to be Played
You can play Armored Core VI with your trusty keyboard and mouse, but why not play it how the older titles would’ve been played? With a controller. Luckily, we also stock a wide range of controller perfect for getting that old school feeling. Don’t forget you’re not a machine unlike your AC, so you’ll also need the ideal chair to game from, too!
Microsoft Official Xbox Elite Wireless Controller V2
Official Xbox Elite controllers have been designed to offer outstanding performance in a wide range of modern gaming titles. What’s more, they are fully customisable, with interchangeable thumb sticks and paddles, plus remappable buttons, too. Even better, you’ll be able to game for longer, as these controllers boast batteries that offer up to 40 hours of gameplay without needing to be recharged.
noblechairs HERO Gaming Chair Elden Ring Special Edition
What better way to appreciate a From Software game, than from the luxurious comfort of an Elden Ring chair? The noblechairs HERO Elden Ring Edition is emblazoned with the World Tree and Elden Ring logo, beautifully embroidered in gold thread. The HERO features exceptional ergonomics, such as dense cold foam padding, 4D armrests, and 11-degree tilt rocker, allowing you to game for longer in comfort.
Mission Accomplished
Have you been laying waste to your opponents in Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon? What style of AC do you prefer? Which are your favourite weapons? Let us know in the comments below.
PC specs are subject to change.
- 9 min read
Simon Procter
Author
Having been a gaming nut for longer than he cares to think, Simon landed his dream job over a year ago at Overclockers UK. Since then, he has written many product pages and category texts. He even gets released from the basement to write the odd cheeky blog post. When not working, you can often find him entrenched in World of Warcraft, visiting friends to have his butt whooped in a board game, or with his nose buried in a book.
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